Alternative hiking trails to climb Croagh Patrick

Hi! There is supposedly a trail which originates to the West of CP and traverses Ben Goram and the joins the trail from Lecanvey to the summit. The start point appears to be 53.76420, -9.709598 or there abouts.

As for trails from the South side, I have seen the trails alright and they appear short enough from the road below, but are steep in sections. But there are trails there nevertheless. Maybe a local on here would have more info, or post in the Mayo forum.

It's grand, people do it. But honestly, if you had difficulty going up the route facing the sea, I'd stick to that route. If you have difficulties going up the back, there's feck all people passing you.

It also provides uncluttered access to the mountain. On big days they have staff at the front and back and the aircorp helicopter is parked down near the sea.

I know this because my family are heavily involved in this. We're not from there but my whole family moved down there about 15 years ago. My Mum lives near the Leacanvey approach. It's walkable from our house. And both my sister and brother in law are very involved with mountain rescue. There have been many xmas dinners where they've been called out to go after some idiot who decided to do it at 3pm and got stuck when it started getting dark.

My mum in her 70's did both sides. I've never actually bothered to climb it. So all I know is what I've picked up from chatter :)

I'd definitely recommend going round the back and parking and having a walk. The views back there are lovely. And then take the drive across to Killary for the views.

hello lads I was thinking of climbing it next month would young children aged 7 or 8 able for there fit enough playing football every week

thank you

how long give or take does it take?

7 solid hours in total if you have kids like mine who can't stop chatting and looking for food. 🙄🤣